THE forthcoming Agrilink trade show is the cover story of the September 2016 issue of Agriculture Magazine. The expo will be held on October 6-8 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. This is the most-anticipated agricultural exposition in the Philippines which draws at least 300 local and foreign exhibitors.

One inspiring story is about a religious fellowship in Davao del Norte which became an association of cacao growers that is now exporting four tons of cacao nivs to Taiwan every 10 days. Aside from its own production in its farm, the association buys the harvest of other farmers for the Taiwanese buyer who wants as many as 8 tons every 10 days.

One other interesting story is about the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry teaming up with the Institute of Plant Breeding in Los Baños on a technical assistance program that may include the breeding of okra for which there is a projected market worth US$100 million in Japan.

Aside from okra, soybean vegetable for the popular side dish “edamame” may be the top priority. Genetic improvement in fresh vegetables for the Japan market could be the key to significantly improving the profitability of local farmers.

Researchers from the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) headed by Dr. Paz Alberto have developed six biopesticides from plants collected from Nueva Ecija, Bataan and Aurora. Initially, different plant samples were collected from the forests in identified sites. The samples were screened to determine whether they had potential as biopesticides and were later processed into liquid biopesticides. However, these have to be further studied, field-tested and patented prior to their promotion to the farmers.

Many other stories are featured in the September issue. Watch for its release before the end of August 2016.